Instructions: Place the chile, garlic, and bay leaves in a clean 750-ml. wine bottle that uses a cork. Fill with vinegar, cork, and let stand at room temperature for at least a week before using. When the vinegar reaches the heat level you want, remove and discard the chile.

Yield: Approx. 3 cups

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Use in place of your regular vinegar in salad dressing or to marinate pork, or use when pickling cucumbers.

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